Chimney Top (Before)...
As you can see, there are multiple cracks/breeches on the existing crown coat (Top of chimney). These cracks are allowing water penetrate to the inside of the chimney corroding the structure from the inside, out. If you zoom in, you shall also see moss growing on the exterior of the chimney. This is also a sign of water penetration.
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Chimney Top (After)...
Repair process:
We scrap all the loose cement off the top of the chimney and apply a new crown coat (15 year warranty). At that juncture, we wire brush the exterior brick and apply a chimney water repellent from top to bottom water-proofing the entire structure(10 year warranty).
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Smoke Chamber (Before)...
The National Fire Protection Association states:
"If a smoke chamber is not parged (covered with high temp cement), it does not have the ability to contain the products of combustion i.e., heat from flue gases".
What does that mean?
If the bricks in the smoke chamber are not parged, it allows passage of heated gases between the brick structure. This condition is considered a potential fire and carbon monoxide hazard due to the heat transfer to nearby combustibles.
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Smoke Chamber (After)...
Repair process:
We basically build a new smoke chamber with a high temperature cement material. We reform the entire smoke chamber and apply a 1" thick coat of this material to every sq inch of the chamber. For every 1" thick coat of high temperature cement has the insulating equivalence of 5" of masonry.
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Reline (Before)...
Flue Tiles:
There are open gaps found at the flue liner joints. Tile flue liner joints must be sealed with high temperature, non-water soluble, mortar bonds. Many of these mortar bonds are missing. These gaps between tile sections may allow the passage of heated gases between the liner and the exterior brick structure. A flue liner in this condition is no longer in compliance with Fire and/or Building codes. This condition is considered a potential fire and carbon monoxide hazard due to increased temperatures, heat transfer, and the possibility of breaches within the brickwork.
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Reline (After)...
Repair process:
After removal of the existing Terra Cotta tile (flue), we then drop the appropriate sized S/Steel liner from the top of the chimney, to the top of the smoke chamber. This creates one solid system with zero breaching. At this juncture, you and your loved one's can enjoy your fireplace for years to come...
